In a column for the Progressive Media Project and distributed by the McClatchy-Tribune News Service published Sunday, Chippewa writer Mark Anthony Rolo scolded the NFL commissioner for his reply to a letter from Congress’s Native American Caucus to stop using the slur. Goodell’s reply claimed that the name was "a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect."

“Goodell's offensive reply is not only cowardly, but it is also an antiquated defense reminiscent of those who refused to recognize other pop culture stereotypes such as Little Black Sambo and Frito Bandito," Rolo wrote.

“Concern over losing fan devotion to the Redskin name and image, and profitable merchandise, television and ad revenue should not be factors in the decision whether or not to rename the NFL team," he added.

Rolo, who writes on native issues for The Progressive magazine and published a critically praised memoir in 2012, also pointed out in the column that while the NFL has continued to fight for the right to keep using the name, the NCAA has banned the use of Native American mascots, and numerous high schools and college changed their names and mascots. Also, he wrote, the NBA’s Washington Bullets switched to “Wizards.”

“Fan devotion and profits were not lost due to the name change," he pointed out.

" 'Redskins' is a patently offensive name for Native Americans," he wrote. "That patent has expired."